Insurance underwriters assess risk, screen insurance applications and decide whether to offer coverage to individuals and businesses. Employment of underwriters was forecast to increase by 6 percent between 2010 and 2020, slower than the average growth rate for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due to underwriting increasingly being carried out by computers. Despite this, work opportunities in the profession are expected to remain steady over the decade due to high turnover.

Make an honest assessment if you're cut out for a career as an underwriter. You'll need a very specific skill set. If you don't have a head for figures, you may be better off considering another vocation. As well as having math skills, you need to be detail-oriented, and have sound analytic and decision-making abilities.

Graduate from high school. You typically need a degree to land an entry-level underwriting role, so a high school diploma or the equivalent is a prerequisite. While at high school, take classes in math, statistics, algebra, accounting and IT.

Enroll in a bachelor's degree course in business, finance, economics or mathematics. If you've already started a degree in another field, you may be able to find a company willing to offer you a trainee underwriter role if you take additional classes in business law and accounting. While insurance-related work experience and strong computer skills may be enough to get an entry-level underwriter job in some circumstances, most employers look for applicants who have some post-secondary education.

Send speculative applications to insurers, insurance brokers, insurance carriers and pension funds once you've qualified. You should also check out the employment pages on the websites of these types of companies for entry-level positions. Once you've landed a trainee underwriter role, you'll typically receive on-the-job training from senior underwriters.

Complete the Insurance Institute of America training program to become a certified underwriter. The American College also offers an introductory course in basic insurance concepts. Underwriters need to undergo continuing education and certification as they advance through their career.

About the Author

Michael Roennevig has been a journalist since 2003. He has written on politics, the arts, travel and society for publications such as "The Big Issue" and "Which?" Roennevig holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the Surrey Institute and a postgraduate diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists at City College, Brighton.